Willman 1

Discovered in 2004 by Beth Willman and her team using data from the Sloan Digital Sky Survey, Willman 1 is an ultra-faint dwarf galaxy residing in the constellation Ursa Major, relatively close to the Milky Way. With a half-light radius of approximately 23 parsecs, it stands out for its extended size and irregular, elongated shape. Boasting an absolute magnitude of about -2.7, Willman 1 is among the least luminous galaxies known, composed primarily of old, metal-poor stars indicative of its early formation in the universe. Thought to be dominated by dark matter, this dwarf galaxy is situated in a relatively isolated region, making it an intriguing subject for studying the properties and evolution of small galaxies. Evidence of tidal disruption suggests interactions with the Milky Way, contributing to its unique characteristics. Willman 1's distinct features and isolation make it a valuable celestial entity for advancing our understanding of dwarf galaxies and their role in the cosmic landscape.